With economists predicting $5 gasoline, consumers are searching for ways to cut costs and cultivate a simple, low maintenance lifestyle. Increasingly one of the options more home owners are turning to is the concept of tile. Unlike many areas of the nation, the relatively mild climate enjoyed by Texans makes tile the perfect flooring choice. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating when it comes to tile. Learn the facts about tile and grout with these quick tips.
Myth: Tile is expensive.
Fact: Tile comes in a wide variety of price points ranging from less than $1 per square foot to well over $25 per square foot; however, since tile can last a lifetime even more expensive options often turn out to be more cost effective than carpeting which has an average lifespan of only five years.
Myth: Tile is boring.
Fact: Tile can be as sophisticated, exciting and daring as you desire especially with new colors and textures. It can also be neutral or anything in between. The selection is almost endless.
Myth: Tile is high maintenance.
Fact: Tile is one of the lowest maintenance products available. Unlike wood floors that can be damaged by water or scratches, tile is tough and durable to almost anything.
Myth: Tile is dirty.
Fact: Tile does requires periodic professional maintenance through a qualified tile and grout cleaning service but compared to carpet it is much less frequent and stays cleaner in between visits. Tile is one of the cleanest flooring types and often recommended for those who suffer from allergies, chemical sensitivities, asthma or other health related conditions.
Myth: Tile breaks easily.
Fact: Properly installed tile is very durable even to falling objects. In fact, tile flooring has been found dating back to the early days of the Greek and Roman empires.
Myth: Tile is time consuming.
Fact: Tile is one of the least time consuming types of flooring available. Unlike carpeting that requires daily vacuuming, tile tends to stay looking great for a longer period of time. In dusty dry climates, a daily sweep might be in order but a few well placed door mats can eliminate much of the problem.
